New Jersey is a powerhouse state that manufactures a wide variety of materials. The state specializes in chemicals and is among the finest research centers in the world. About 16% of the state land is farmland. Tourism is the second-largest industry in the state. A state this busy has a high need for well-trained CNAs. The medical industry is in need of competent CNAs to offer support. Those who wish to begin an exciting career should seriously consider working as CNAs in New Jersey.
The state of New Jersey requires prospective CNA candidates to complete formal classes and a competency exam. Both of these components are required to make sure that candidates are capable of completing their duties. Below are some specifics about what is required to become a trained CNA in New Jersey.
New Jersey CNA Certification Requirements
In order to apply for CNA certification in New Jersey, some prerequisites must be fulfilled. The prerequisites include:
- a criminal background check
- the age of at least 18 years
- a physical exam
- proof of immunization
- a negative TB test
- a high school diploma (preferred)
- a current Healthcare Provider CPR card
New Jersey CNA Classes and Testing Costs
CNA Programs in the state of New Jersey requires applicants to go through 90 combined hours of education. 50 of these hours should be devoted to classroom work and 40 hours should be devoted to hands-on education at a facility. Candidates may contact the Board of Nursing at 973-504-6430 for specifics. Programs may last between 4-8 weeks. Graduates may take the competency exam within two years for certification.
Low-cost courses are available at certain locations across the state. Otherwise, CNA programs may cost anywhere between $800 to $1600. Some employers may reimburse their candidates. Funds should be budgeted for textbooks, workbooks, uniforms, and other materials. Follow this link for information on employer-sponsored CNA classes.
CNA Classes & Nurse Aide Courses in New Jersey
If a career as a CNA sounds like an exciting and promising option, then the following centers may be of interest to you. Some of these locations may offer courses as a part of employment. Other places may offer courses for a fee. It is a good idea to contact the facilities directly should you have any questions about the curriculum or the tuition fees.
| Training Program | City | Zip Code | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield College | Bloomfield, NJ | 07003 | 973-748-9000 |
| Raritan Valley Community College | Branchburg, NJ | 08876 | 908-526-1200 |
| PRN Training Center | Bridgeton, NJ | 08302 | 856-459-3222 |
| A1 Allied Health Training Institute | Camden, NJ | 08102 | 856-203-3526 |
| Abigail House | Camden, NJ | 08102 | 856-365-8500 |
| American Training Center | Camden, NJ | 08102 | 856-417-6882 |
| Salem Community College | Carneys Point, NJ | 08069 | 856-299-2100 |
| Prism Career Institute | Cherry Hill, NJ | 08002 | 856-317-0100 |
| Ace Healthcare Training Institute | Dover, NJ | 07801 | 973-366-7171 |
| Nursesvue CareerTek | East Orange, NJ | 07018 | 973-678-6886 |
| Nursesvue CareerTek | East Orange, NJ | 07018 | 973-678-6886 |
| Best Care College | East Orange, NJ | 07018 | 973-673-3900 |
| E & S Academy | Elizabeth, NJ | 07208 | 908-866-6662 |
| Branford Institute | Elizabeth, NJ | 07208 | 908-352-1004 |
| B&M Consultants Inc | Elizabeth, NJ | 07208 | 908-355-9315 |
| Trinitas School of Nursing | Elizabeth, NJ | 07202 | 908-659-5200 |
| Hunterdon County Polytech | Flemington, NJ | 08822 | 908-788-1119 |
| Forever Home Training School (CHHA) | Fort Lee, NJ | 07024 | 201-375-8551 |
| Bergen Home Care & Nursing | Hackensack, NJ | 07601 | 201-342-3402 |
| Param Institute of Education | Iselin, NJ | 08830 | 732-283-5656 |
| Lifeguard Training NJ | Jackson Township, NJ | 08527 | 888-772-9933 |
| Christ Hospital, Jersey City, NJ | Jersey City, NJ | 07306 | 201-795-8200 |
| Merit Technical Institutee | Jersey City, NJ | 07302 | 201-434-7878 |
| Alaris Health at Hamilton Park | Jersey City, NJ | 07302 | 201-653-8800 |
| Hudson County Community College | Jersey City, NJ | 07306 | 201-714-7100 |
| Five Star Care | Lakewood, NJ | 08701 | 908-312-1423 |
| E & S Academy | Lawrenceville, NJ | 08648 | 609-227-4488 |
| Brookdale Community College | Lincroft, NJ | 07738 | 732-224-2345 |
| New Era Healthcare Training | Matawan, NJ | 07747 | 732-570-3683 |
| Atlantic Cape Community College | Mays Landing, NJ | 08330 | 609-625-1111 |
| Medical Consultants Instructional Training Center | Millville, NJ | 08332 | 856-825-6655 |
| Millennium Memory Care at Monroe | Monroe Township, NJ | 08831 | 732-523-5797 ext. 1 |
| Samuel Morris Career Institute Of New Jersey | Newark, NJ | 07102 | 973-648-8000 |
| Essex County College | Newark, NJ | 07102 | 973-877-3000 |
| Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Newark, NJ | 07103 | 732-445-4636 |
| Prestige Medical Solutions | North Plainfield, NJ | 07060 | 800-880-1560 |
| Allied Health Training Institute | Northfield, NJ | 08225 | 609-241-8486 |
| Bergen Community College | Paramus, NJ | 07652 | 201-447-7100 |
| Branford Institute, Paterson | Paterson, NJ | 07505 | 973-881-9428 |
| AMG MEDICAL INSTITUTE | Paterson, NJ | 07505 | 973-278-0500 |
| Passaic County Community College | Paterson, NJ | 07505 | 973-684-6800 |
| Universal Training Institute | Perth Amboy, NJ | 08861 | 732-826-0155 |
| Rowan College of South Jersey | Sewell, NJ | 08080 | 856-468-5000 |
| Marie's Allied Health & Technical Institute, Inc | Somerset, NJ | 08873 | 732-565-0898 |
| E & S Academy South Plainfield | South Plainfield, NJ | 07080 | 908-603-1333 |
| Berkel Training Institute | Trenton, NJ | 08618 | 609-392-1855 |
| Healthcare Training Institute | Union, NJ | 07083 | 908-851-7711 |
| ACE Home Healthcare | Union, NJ | 07083 | 908-851-2700 |
| HPI SCHOOL OF ALLIED HEALTH | Union, NJ | 07083 | 908-687-0808 |
| Cumberland County Technical Education Center | Vineland, NJ | 08360 | 856-451-9000 |
| Brookdale Wayne | Wayne, NJ | 07470 | 973-942-4800 |
| Mercer County Community College | West Windsor Township, NJ | 08550 | 609-586-4800 |
| BCIT Westampton | Westampton, NJ | 08060 | 609-267-4226 |
CNA Programs in Newark
Catholic Charities of ARCH of Newark: Catholic Charities of ARCH of Newark: Graduates of this program benefit from job placement assistance. Qualifying applicants may receive employer-sponsored classes. This is a 90-hour program that prepares students for the competency examination. Classes meet on the weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Samuel Morris Career Institute of New Jersey: This program prepares graduates for the competency exam and offers 90 hours of classes. This establishment has strict timeline requirements; only students who complete all 90 hours of classes may graduate from the program. Applicants must have a clean criminal background and good health. Applicants without a high school diploma must pass the school’s admission exam.
Divine Medical Services: Certification for employment is given at this establishment on a limited basis. They may not be accessible year-round. The program prepares graduates for employment in long-term care facilities. The curriculum involves 90 hours of classes. Compassionate care is emphasized during the program. Some physical strength is expected of applicants, as they must be able to move patients from one place to the other.
CNA Classes in Jersey City
Ace Healthcare Training: Students in this program are prepared for the competency exam within 4-6 weeks. Schedules are flexible and can fit into the days or evenings. The program offers continual assessment exams meant to prepare students for the competency exam. Students scoring below 75% are expected to get extra help with their work. Financial aid may be available. Tuition covers books, uniforms, and other relevant materials.
CNA Classes in Trenton
Berkel Training Institute: This is a 15-year old institution that trains its students for the CNA competency exam. The program lasts for 90 hours. Appointments for the program should be scheduled; those interested may contact their number at 609-392-1855.
You can also follow the link to learn more about CNA classes in Paterson, New Jersey.
Additional New Jersey CNA Resources
Though the information previously listed may be an excellent start for those who wish to begin their CNA program, some may have more questions about the process. Those who need to request more specifics may contact the following address:
Department of Health
P. O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
Phone: 973-504-6430
Out-of-State CNAs
An out-of-state CNA may apply for inclusion in New Jersey through either reciprocity or equivalency. Appropriate documentation must be forwarded to the New Jersey Nurse Aide Registry. The registry must confirm that the applicant has been trained and evaluated as competent. The out-of-state standards should be comparable to that of the standards in New Jersey. The applicant should have no criminal convictions. The applicant must consent to a background check. The applicant should have no reports of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of resident property. Interested people should contact 1-877-774-4243.
Renewal
Every two years, qualified CNAs must renew their licenses. They must also complete fingerprinting. 45 days prior to the expiration of the license, a notification is sent to CNAs. To be recertified, the CNA must have a preexisting CNA certificate, have proof that at least seven hours of paid work was accomplished within the two-year period, have an active certificate (revoked/suspended licenses are not eligible for renewal), and pass a criminal history check and fingerprinting before the expiration date.
How Much Does a CNA Make in New Jersey?
The average salary pay for qualified CNAs is higher than the national average in New Jersey. However, New Jersey CNA salaries do vary somewhat depending on the region. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a CNA in New Jersey is $39,480 per year or $18.98 per hour. Experience and additional skill sets may play a role in determining what kind of pay qualified CNAs may receive. Those CNAs working close to the Newark/New York City metro area make an average of $21.50 per hour or an average salary of $44,720. A beginning CNA may have a smaller salary than an experienced CNA. CNAs with other skill sets may also qualify for higher pay or take on more tasks in their facilities. CNAs on the higher wage scale in New Jersey can make up to $47,230 per year.
